Lefkada: The Island of Spectacular Cliffs and Turquoise Infinity
Lefkada is the only Greek island you can drive to, but once you cross the floating bridge, you enter a world of breathtaking verticality and neon-blue seas. Known as the ‘Emerald of the Ionian,’ Lefkada is famous for having some of the most dramatic beaches in the world, where sheer white cliffs drop into an ocean that looks like it has been digitally enhanced. In 2026, Lefkada is a premier destination for road-trippers, windsurfers, and those seeking the wild, untamed beauty of the Western Ionian.
Things to know about Lefkada
Geographically, Lefkada is located between Corfu and Kefalonia. It is connected to the mainland by a 50-meter swing bridge. Historically, it was home to the legendary poet Sappho, who is said to have leaped from Cape Lefkatas. An ideal trip length is 6-7 days. It is famous for Porto Katsiki beach, the windsurfing hub of Vasiliki, and the picturesque mountain village of Karya. The island is mountainous and green, offering a mix of high-energy coastal sports and quiet traditional life in the interior.
Top attractions in Lefkada
Porto Katsiki Beach
Often voted the best beach in the Mediterranean, Porto Katsiki is a spectacular bay at the foot of a massive white cliff. The contrast between the chalk-white rocks and the deep turquoise water is incredible. It is accessible via 80 steps or by boat, and it remains the most iconic image of Lefkada.
Egremni Beach
Neighboring Porto Katsiki, Egremni is a long, wild stretch of sand and pebbles. After an earthquake damaged the stairs, it is now best reached by boat from Nydri or Vasiliki. Its length ensures that you can always find a quiet spot even in the height of summer.
Vasiliki Bay (Windsurfing Hub)
Vasiliki is one of the best windsurfing spots in Europe due to a unique local wind known as ‘Eric.’ The bay is flat and shallow, making it perfect for both pros and beginners. The village itself is a charming harbor with many cafes and schools for water sports.
Nydri and the Waterfalls
Nydri is the main tourism hub, overlooking the ‘Princes’ Islands’ (including Aristotle Onassis’s Scorpios). Just a short drive away are the Dimosari Waterfalls, a cool, shaded canyon where you can swim in natural stone pools under the falling water.
Cape Lefkatas (Sappho’s Leap)
The southernmost tip of the island is home to a dramatic lighthouse built on the ruins of an ancient Temple of Apollo. This is where Sappho reportedly committed suicide for love. The views of the open sea and the neighboring islands of Kefalonia and Ithaca are stunning.
Lefkada Town and the Lagoon
The capital features a unique earthquake-resistant architecture with colorful wooden facades. The town is surrounded by a shallow lagoon and salt pans, which are a haven for flamingos and other migratory birds. The pedestrian ‘Pezodromos’ is the heart of the island’s social life.
Agios Nikitas Village
A traditional fishing village on the west coast that has been beautifully preserved. It is a car-free zone with a small beach and serves as the gateway to the stunning Milos beach, reachable by a short hike or boat.
Karya Mountain Village
Located in the heart of the island, Karya is famous for its traditional embroidery (Karsaniko). The village square is shaded by giant plane trees and is the perfect place to experience authentic Lefkadian gastronomy away from the coast.
Kathisma Beach
The most organized beach on the west coast, Kathisma is a long stretch of fine sand with turquoise water. It is famous for its beach clubs, paragliding (from the cliffs above), and incredible sunset views.
Faneromeni Monastery
The religious center of the island, this monastery is perched on a hill above Lefkada Town. It offers a panoramic view of the lagoon and the mainland. The site also includes a small ecclesiastical museum and a peaceful garden.
Island-hopping from Lefkada
Lefkada’s port of Nydri and Vasiliki serve daily ferries to Kefalonia (Fiskardo) and Ithaca (45-90 mins). There are also daily boat tours to the nearby islands of Meganisi, Kalamos, and Kastos. Because it is connected by a bridge, Lefkada is the perfect starting point for a road trip that combines the Ionian islands with the mainland attractions of Epirus.
